Why Palin Should Announce First

Since the 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate is in the unenviable position of having the national media analyze her every tweet and Facebook post, Sarah Palin has become a distraction to the other would-be presidential candidates, not to mention the Republican Party at large.

That’s why it’s time for her to reveal her 2012 presidential plans. Seize the moment. Take the hill. Make her move, while there are no other officially declared candidates, and Palin will enjoy every advantage afforded by the Power of Now.

Whether she chooses to run or not, Palin can harness the Power of Now to great advantage. Here’s why.

Flirting Gets Old Fast

Like a classic flirt, Palin sends signals to all sides. Recently she hired a chief of staff with past presidential campaign experience -- a move that made news. Some in the media took as a sign that she is running.

But then she sent a contrary signal by skipping the CPAC gathering, where almost all the prospective GOP presidential candidates paraded their wares before activist conservatives and worldwide media.

Certainly if Palin already knew she was running, she would have made the time to attend (CPAC is scheduled a year in advance). But she even turned down an offer to give the keynote speech -- not something a serious candidate would have refused. She can’t afford many more such missed opportunities without turning people off.

Palin Would Be First To Announce

If Palin is planning on running, she could create a total frenzy by being the first GOP candidate to officially announce. She would have nothing short of complete media domination for at least a day or two. Another advantage of announcing first is that after hers, all the other candidates’ official announcements would be anti-climactic -- unless they made their own campaigns all about Palin herself.

Palin Is the Center Stage Act

Since Palin currently commands so much media attention, one could make the case that she is being somewhat unfair to the other prospective candidates who don’t know whether she will perform or cancel the show. Right now, it’s all center stage but no show. Mitt Romney, the current front-runner, has already given her a pre-show review by stating that Palin would be great in the primaries.

Palin could use the Power of Now to make her decision either way from a position of strength. Announcing now from center stage, instead of from deep within a crowded field, puts her more in control of both alternatives.

By Waiting Palin Is Hurting Her Own Prospects for Winning

If Palin is to make a serious run for the White House she needs to be building a national organization now -- one that can raise millions and win primaries in early states like New Hampshire and South Carolina. If she decides to make a late entry, it would be nearly impossible for her to be taken seriously as a candidate and to gain ground. Just ask Fred Thompson.